The City Magazine April 2023

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April 2023

magazine

FASHION · HEALTH · lifestyle

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle | shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor Erin Coulehan | erin@thecitymagazineelp.com GRAPHIC Editorial Design Ernie Sanchez Creative | ernie@thecitymagazineelp. com Graphic Designer Maggie Blum | maggie@thecitymagazineelp.com ADVERTISING Pick a copy of Director of Sales Chaz Wilson | chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Operations Manager Mari Van Pelt | mari@thecitymagazineelp.com

AT YOUR LOCAL WALGREENS Account Executives

Megan Langford | megan@thecitymagazineelp.com Omar Samaniego | omar@thecitymagazineelp.com Veronica Nevarez | veronica@thecitymagazineelp.com ASSISTANT Editor-In-Chief Assistant Amber Lanahan | info@thecitymagazineelp.com

THE CITY

HOW TO REACH US 415 East Yandell El Paso, Texas 79902 (915) 225-0265 | info@thecitymagazineelp.com

MAGAZINE Cover Design By: Ernie Sanchez Creative

Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.

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and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors

and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership

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April 2023

From the

W

e all dream of the spaces we’ll live in:

Lifestyle magazines often share the realities of

Sundays driving through neighborhoods,

staff members -- Amber-- shares a real-life story

we decorate in our heads, we spend

making sure they fit our needs, then we make the big decision. Are we building or are we buying?

Whatever your decision, you’ll need to find the real

estate professional/builder who takes the time to

listen to your wants, envisioning your dream, and matching the homes or the lots in our El Paso market and making your dreams come true.

Their job is to capture the essence of the perfect

home and lifestyle of their client and marry it with the perfect residence that awaits a new family.

Expect to get intimate with your real estate professional/builder because the process starts with sharing thoughts and dreams. Do you want children, dogs, certain neighborhoods, and then the big one, finances?

What can you afford?

This is the starting point when interviewing the potential homeowner. Or, sometimes, it’s navigating

a home sale with two partners who are splitting the

living: the ups and downs of living, and one of our of cancer, the diagnosis, the fear, the reality, and

survival. Lesley Villareal shares her story of cancer.

Ask her about one of her biggest regrets? She says she wishes she’d been more prepared. Who do I turn to? What are my resources? What do I expect?

Read her story, Leslie shares honestly hoping that there are women who read her story will be one step

closer with knowledge she hopes they never need regarding the ugly “C” word.

Who’s the handsome man on the cover? Horocio

Gutierrez Jr., who’s captured the hearts of many as he’s kicked a soccer ball across the country, became

one of MTV’s reality show hotties as he was a hit on

“The Challenge.” This shy guy spends most of his

time alone, that is until he’s the most talked about man on the cover of the April Magazine. Ok, his fan

club reaches beyond the El Paso region with more than 100,000 social media followers.

Enjoy this month as you get to know El Paso just a bit better, one homebuilder, one real estate professional and one handsome cover guy at a time.

sheets, per se, and going different directions. We

call these successful real estate professionals and homebuilders, and we’ve brought you the finest in the city. Read their profiles to get to know them a bit better, then pick the phone up and ask for a personal meeting. They interview you and you interview them.

You want the perfect business partner as you pick

@shelleymozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

the perfect space you’ll soon call home.

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April 2023

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April 2023

From the

I

can’t help but think of poetry every

a reader who wrote-in to recommend we

Wasteland,” which opens:

reality tv star. To her, I say, thank you, thank

April, beginning with T.S. Eliot’s “The

“April is the cruellest month, breeding

showcase the soccer supernova turned you, thank you!

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing

A lifetime ago, I covered music, tv, and film that

Dull roots with spring rain.

figures just before Instagram exploded.

Memory and desire, stirring

Winter kept us warm, covering

required me to spend a lot of time with public

Earth in forgetful snow, feeding

But this did not prepare me for covering

A bleak reminder of modern struggle from a

When I mentioned writing a story about him

A little life with dried tubers.”

20th century poet.

April is also the birth (and death) month of William Shakespeare, who warned that

Horacio.

to younger members of our staff or mentees,

each time I was met with a sigh and whisper of his name followed by, “I LOVE him.”

“rough winds do shake the darling buds of

I can’t thank Horacio enough for not only

during this time of year.

weekend photoshoot and interview, but

May,” which couldn’t be more true of El Paso

Foreboding aside, the Bard also has this to say about springtime:

“It was a lover and his lass,

With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,

That o’er the green corn-field did pass,

In the springtime, the only pretty ring time, When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding; Sweet lovers love the spring.”

In keeping with the springtime theme of birth,

growth, and renewal, I welcome you to our human interest issue.

Sometimes you have to hunt for stories, other times they land in your inbox.

This month, our cover star, Horacio Gutierrez

Jr., is featured thanks to the submission of

18

driving from San Diego to El Paso for a

Stories of survival from other inspiring El

also for being so willing to quite literally go

seeds of creativity in readers, if not least of

wherever the wind blew us.

Pasoans in this issue, I’m certain, will plant all, out of human interest.

Another poet once wrote that “April showers

You’ll meet filmmaker Alfonso Loya, whose

shower you with El Paso’s leading home and

award for Best Web Series at the New York

bring May flowers” and we’re excited to

construction professionals and real estate agents to ensure your home can weather whatever comes your way.

This month, we also reflect on the very human impact that COVID-19 has had over the course of the last three years, especially

on the border. Dr. Alozie once again graces our pages, and I can’t think of a better

person to share his thoughts, experiences,

and knowledge on this crazy time in global

history. I say this often but somehow never enough: we’re SO lucky to have doctors like Dr. Alozie in El Paso.

production company won the Grand Jury

International Film Festival for his tv series on immigration; Anderson, a patient from El

Paso Children’s Hospital who was recently

named a Children’s Miracle Network 2023

national champion; and Mia, a volunteer at

the El Paso Animal Rescue League who helps adoptable dogs find furever homes, and has also earned more than $1 million in college scholarships.

Here’s to continued forward motion and growth.

May we continue to bloom.

April 2023

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April 2023

Contributors Erin

Amber

Dr. Ogechika

Gibel

Megan

MEHL

Jamiah

DANCIL

Aina

John

Mary

COULEHAN

LANAHAN

ALOZIE

Managing Editor

AMADOR

MARZIA

HORTA

CHAVEZ

Sergio

OLIVAS

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

contents

April 2023

APRIL 2023 VOLUME 109

24 84

90

Features

24

Cultivating Community through COVID By: DR. OGECHIKA ALOZIE

84

90

A Champion and ‘The Challenge’

A Survivor’s Journey

By: TCM STAFF

By: AMBER LANAHAN

Here and Now

28

The Lust Frontier By: MEGAN MEHL

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

100

114

Q&A: Alfonso Loya Talks Success of Border Series

Progress Report: ‘Tote-ally’ Cool

By: ERIN COULEHAN

By: AINA MARZIA

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April 2023

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April 2023

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CULTIVATING COMMUNITY THROUGH COVID

24

| By: DR. OGECHIKA ALOZIE photos courtesy of: DR. OGECHIKA ALOZIE |

April 2023

I

t’s been three years since COVID (SARS

CoV2) changed our lives almost instantly and -- in a sense -- irrevocably. While this

piece isn’t about me, I will use my journey

through COVID as a barometer for how things have gone the last three years.

On Feb 14, 2020, I went on KVIA and talked about COVID for the first time. “My family and I still plan on going to the Olympics in Japan,” I said. Man, was I wrong!

2020 was a crazy chaotic year. Fear. Death.

Uncertainty.

From wiping down groceries, to wearing masks, to being afraid to walk past people

outside on the streets. All the while the

world around us was shutting down and

becoming a scarier place. We watched the news stories of the horrors in New York and

yet it was quiet in El Paso; as of March 31, 2020 we had a total of 50 COVID cases.

I remember March 5th of 2020 being in

By May, it became very clear to us that COVID

“Well, this can’t be that bad. That was the last

to have to change so many things. From the

Houston giving a talk on HIV and thinking

time I would get on a plane for almost months.”

One week later, we were hoarding toilet paper and afraid to see our loved ones. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

was NOT going anywhere and we were going way we work, to the way we play, to the way we travel, to the way we educate.

Zoom, WebEx and Teams became not only rampant but dominant.

But for those of us in the healthcare space,

these tools were not an option. The fear and dread mounted on a daily and weekly basis and more people arrived in the hospitals and unfortunately, many of them died.

As I went to Del Sol Medical Center everyday, my bubbly and stoic nature began to dim.

I realized as someone that had battled weight

all his life that I needed to get healthier and began to exercise. And even that was difficult; somedays the will to even get out of bed was not there, and I would break down in uncontrollable tears working out.

What would happen if I died? Who would take care of my kids?

25

April 2023

But all the while, our COVID numbers stayed

Vaccines were coming. But so were elections

and foreboding in the back. Is it gone, where

with hope. People started going out.

But as the song says “even in the darkest

How many shots will we need?

low. The summer of 2020 in El Paso beamed Road trips became a thing. It seemed that inconceivably we had dodged the proverbial

-- and the politicization of COVID.

days, it’ll be all over…in the morning.”

is it going, when can we return to normal.

But by the summer of 2021, it really did feel as if El Paso was waking up.

viral bullet…and then July 2020 came.

The hope was vaccines. Oddly, the biggest

To try and allay fears we (HCA) let cameras

before I was to get vaccinated, I got COVID!

COVID changed us and the world around

real face of COVID in the hospital.

The headlines were wild. And even though I

food and alcohol remained on Zoom/WebEx.

As we would learn with COVID -- again and

and as if I had failed myself and my community.

into our ER to show people the human and

again -- what goes up, must come down. By

personal irony of COVID for me was the day

didn’t know how I got COVID, I felt ashamed

the end of August 2020, we were seeing low

But the vaccines were here!

be returning. Businesses, bars, restaurants,

Whether it was given to those at the front of

faces because masks were still the theme

important thing was our community was

levels of COVID spread, and life seemed to families --all seeing eyes -- not necessarily of the day. But at least our lives on the Borderland seemed to be returning.

But then came Oct/Nov of 2020 with a crushing

COVID

wave.

Fear

returned.

Everything went silent as we experienced

the most brutal and deadliest wave of COVID

the line, or those that jumped the line! The

per person and with complex COVID testing

and retesting measures. I flew to London and Curacao in 2021 and the masked landscape

while people removed masks to sleep and

eat always struck me as comical anxiety laden theater; but that’s where we were.

By the end of the year, Omicron struck!

public health miracle of vaccines.

Hospitals were full again. People were scared

Then, (finally) for most parents, the relief of

COVID. Almost everyone got it, but many

and sacrifice of the lives lost, or through the

having kids return to school.

Eventually, books and thesis will be written

Tents in front of hospitals. Inmates acting

kids by keeping them out of school as long

Convention Center transformed into an

People were traveling, but with 2-3 masks

creating protection, both through the toil

we had experienced to date.

as mortuary attendants. The El Paso

us irrevocably. Businesses that didn’t serve

on how we harmed a generation of school

as we did. Our community returned kids to

school faster than most in the country and

again. But ahhh haaa…this was a different

people had already been vaccinated or been sick previously, and so the magic of immunity spared a repeat of the horrors of 2020.

We weathered the Omicron storm into Spring of 2022.

we should be proud of that.

By this time, I must say, COVID became

That whole time period feels so surreal when

The remarkable thing about 2021 is how

longer acted as if COVID existed and those

Long days. Long nights. Death. Fear.

People were traveling and kids were in

overflow hospital.

I look back.

Uncertainty. But at the same time, hope.

26

surreal it felt.

school, but there was still a sense of dread

a tribe issue. There were those who no who were in full or partial 2020 mode. In all honesty, there is and was no right or wrong.

We are at a point where each individual will act as they feel comfortable.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023 The world, on average, has moved on. Academics, scholars and clinicians will argue about whether one, two, or 20 shots are the key

to being safe. Each vaccination series garners less and less uptake as people grow weary.

But, again, life has been scarred.

People are still wary of in-person meetings, while restaurants, hotels and bars are open and booming. Kids who suffered the most loss of growth in COVID are learning how to engage again, talk again,

learn again. In the wake of COVID remains an anxiety and depression explosion the likes of which this generation has never seen.

The last vestiges of COVID rules have melted away: all hospitals in El Paso have finally removed their mask mandates.

Life feels (almost) normal.

At some point, the post mortem of how COVID affected our community will be done.

The lives lost. The conflict created and endured. But just as importantly is the sense of community: the sense of shared togetherness.

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Organizations across the city that had never worked together sitting down (on Zoom

and Teams) to plan and improve the lives

of our city. That is what I want to remember these days -- the fellowship our community shared.

We are makers. What can we make for you?

COVID was a journey I’ll never forget. From

a hospital administrator, to an unemployed physician on an island, to returning to my

community to provide patient care. Then along the way, lots of TV.

Three years ago the world and our

community came to a halt. It was a scary, intense and never ending roller coaster.

Hopefully we have learned both as a group

and individually, something from it that we can take into the future.

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April 2023

Does Dating Get Harder As We Get Older? | By: MEGAN MEHL |

28

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

T

here’s nothing worse than

realize that you’re the last person standing at

punchline “…and that’s why

you’ve never been married, or you’re finding

being single and hearing the

they’re still single!” It’s not easy

to offend me, but this one gets

to me every time. In our society, is

being unpartnered an indication that

something is wrong with you?

It can certainly feel like that at times. It’s unsettling when you look up one day and

I

like to think that in many ways, I may

have dodged a bullet by not having

gotten married in my 20s. Not because of anyone else, but because of me. It hasn’t always been fun being single, trust me.

But I know I’ve needed this time to discover

the end of a game of musical chairs. Whether

yourself back on the singles market after a breakup or divorce, dating definitely becomes a little more complex as we age.

The

d o o G

resolution through friendships,

experience they’ve learned from, which may

mean to or not, we just become

divorced people I work with are much clearer

work, and dating. Whether we

older, wiser, and more mature people over time -- some more so than others.

make them better partners. As a rule, the

on what they’re seeking once they’ve been around the block once.

who I am, what I want in life, and how to work

The best thing about dating when you’re

Most importantly, when we are older or

wasn’t ready for marriage in my 20s. I had

or two about what works and what doesn’t in

the intense pressure of biological clocks,

through my own issues. Ultimately, I just

no idea who I was and put all my energy into

what I thought I was “supposed” to do. My romantic relationships were codependent and I was always compromising what I

wanted in the desperate pursuit of love from people who were ill-equipped to provide it.

As we get older, we naturally become better communicators. We develop our interpersonal

skills

and

learn

conflict

S

o great, we are better daters

now. But as you age up into that next bracket on your

doctor’s intake forms, there are presumably fewer people your

age who aren’t taken!

After living in NYC, coming home has been

older is the fact that you’ve learned a thing

a relationship. It’s no different than applying for a job; more experience makes you an

undeniably better candidate. I hear a lot of people express hesitation about dating divorcé(e)s, but to me, these people have

The

d a B That’s obviously not

the case here, and

into marriage or get married for the wrong reasons, and the opportunity to have a second chance and explore a relationship

based on fun, love, and attraction is a total game-changer.

we are seeking, and we’re less likely to settle.

We know better now! Sometimes, anyway.

inflexible. We are very clear on the things

literally don’t know any single men. Yikes.

been in our teens and 20s. This beautifully

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fence. It’s easy to see why people rush

love to set me up with someone, but they

New York, all of my friends were single into

dating world with support from one another.

to secure the wedding and white picket

We also get comfortable in our independence

had more than one person tell me that they’d

Within this smaller dating pool, we make it

their 30s and 40s, and we all navigated the

financial security, or societal pressures

it’s been extremely daunting. I’ve

a culture shock in many ways, not the least of which was the married-to-single ratio. In

previously married, we may no longer feel

smaller by being pickier than we might have

developed self-awareness also contributes to

a better understanding of the type of partner

and stuck in our ways. We may become a bit

we want and need in life and are perhaps more unwilling to compromise. You don’t

want anyone to take away your nasty old

recliner or your ability to watch football

uninterrupted, I get it. Careful though, there’s

a thin line between being knowing what you deserve and being a pain in the butt.

29

the lust frontier

April 2023

As we get older, our lifestyles change as well.

for all of us. I really feel for Baby Boomers who

but it makes for so much less face time (not

across a crowded bar if you’re not doing the

and the treacherous world of online dating

hard to imagine a time before the apps

It’s a lot less likely that you’ll lock eyes from bar hopping thing anymore. (Do you think I can pick someone up at the chiropractor?)

It doesn’t help that the surge in online dating

has completely transformed the playing field

I

don’t know about you, but I can’t say that I’m aging like a fine wine... physically,

anyway. I think I’m a much higher quality

partner than I was in my 20s. One thing I hear almost daily from clients is that

they aren’t attracted to other people their

own age. This is especially true of people

who are divorced and haven’t dated in some

are having to navigate unfamiliar technology simultaneously. Not only is technology

The

if there was chemistry in real time. We now determine compatibility based on a few photos and words, which is pretty ridiculous when you think about it.

This is hilarious to me, but also deeply foreboding in case I do in fact remain single forever.

Every single client in their 60s tells me --

When I send someone in their 60s out

aren’t a “normal” 60-something-year-old.

very often get the feedback that the other

in a hushed conspiratorial tone -- that they

They are uniquely youthful, fun, adventurous,

younger version of both themselves and

peers. I’m not talking about some clients,

their spouse.

when people met organically and could see

y l g U changing things,

time. They may have fallen in love decades prior and they were able to always see the

to be confused with FaceTime). It’s almost

and in shape. They’re not “old” like their this is EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

on a date with someone their same age, I

person looks like a grandparent. It’s all I can

do to resist screaming, “Have you looked

in the mirror in the last 30 years?!” I know none of us feel a day over 22, but let’s be realistic, shall we?

CHeck us out!

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the lust frontier

April 2023

As we get older, we have to understand that

everyone else is, too. I don’t have a six pack, so unfortunately I shouldn’t expect to date

date 30-year-olds, who are trying to date 20-year-olds.

someone who does.

If you haven’t yet landed yourself a

Maybe part of it is a generational difference,

time it’s going to happen for you. Perhaps

but men in particular seem to think they’re

going to get women 20 years younger.

Many seem to think they are entitled to

younger women. It’s hard to break it to these people, but the 40-year-olds are trying to

supermodel, I don’t think your 60s is the it was once the case that women were fine to settle with a wrinkled old guy for financial stability, but it’s not the 50s. Most of the

women I know run circles around their male counterparts financially.

g n i k o o L forward W

hen I go on a date these

days, I know that I’m bringing

a

complex

that you will. We’ve learned these hard lessons time and time again, and they’ve made us stronger people.

person with a lot to

Dating can be hard at any age, and it’s

make mistakes and be a work in progress.

find your person. But if you’ve been in love

offer, though I’ll always

I’m no longer looking for validation (~98% of the time), or for a warm body. I’m not going to settle for the first person who comes along,

easy to become jaded or think you’ll never

trouble and the risk of getting hurt.

The best takeaway I can share is that we

be what I have in mind.

can learn to accept ourselves for who we

Call me naïve, but I truly do believe that what is meant to happen, will happen.

One thing we all know after enough

heartbreak is that you can never force it.

No matter what you do, you can’t make someone fall in love with you. You also can’t

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TAKE THE DIABETES RISK TEST! April 2023

EPCD 22-68 Signs and Symptoms Risk Test

HELP YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE.

OVER 25,000 EL PASOANS HAVE UNDIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES AND MANY MORE ARE AT RISK FOR DIABETES

It’s a fact. Over twenty-five thousand people across El Paso County have diabetes, but don’t even know it. So, take the risk test below to know where you stand, and we’ll connect you to the resources you need.

RISK TEST

ENTER YOUR BIRTHDAY

Take the risk test at DiabetesNowWhat.org

to your answers, you are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

SCORE According However, only your doctor can tell for sure if you have type 2 diabetes. It is

Month

Day

6

very important that you see a medical provider soon. Print this report and share it with your doctor.

Year

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Sex The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age.

FEMALE +0pt

Share the risk test with someone you know

Age 51

Ethnicity Hispanic

+2pt

Men are often more likely to be at risk for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Family history of diabetes YES +1pt

High blood pressure YES +1pt

Gestational Diabetes YES +1pt

High blood pressure can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

A history of diabetes during pregnancy puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

A family history of diabetes put you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Weight Category ARE YOU A MANOverweight OR A WOMAN? +1pt Higher weight can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Physically active YES

Certain racial and ethnic groups are more at risk of type 2 diabetes

+0pt

Being inactive can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Man Woman

Contact the El Paso Center for Diabetes at 915-532-6280 to schedule a free A1C test

SELF-REPORTED DIABETES SYMPTOMS:

Men are often more to bethirst at risk - likely Increased for undiagnosed diabetes.urination - Increased - Numbness or tingling in feet, hands or legs - Increased hunger - Feeling weak or tired

HELPFUL TOOLS: Physician resources Manage diabetes Diabetes self-management classes Support groups Cooking classes

DO YOU HAVE A PARENT OR SIBLING WITH DIABETES? The information provided should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. When seeking personal medical advice, you

should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.

Yes No

Call the El Paso Center for Diabetes at (915) 532-6280

QUESTIONS FOR MY DOCTOR:

to schedule FREE A1C Test!

A family history of diabetes puts ayou at risk for type 2 diabetes.

MY NEXT APPOINTMENT:

Take your risk test results to your doctor

moreDIAGNOSED information on how to manage diabetes, visit: HAVE YOU EVER For BEEN WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

DiabetesNowWhat.org

Yes No Having high blood pressure can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

WHAT RACE OR ETHNICITY DESCRIBES YOU? Hispanic or Latino Black or African American White or Caucasian Asian American American Indian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Other/Don’t want to say Certain racial and ethnic groups are more at risk for type 2 diabetes.

ARE YOU PHYSICALLY ACTIVE?

(sweat while exercising at least 150 minutes a week)

Yes

32

No Being inactive can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes

DiabetesNowWhat.org

WHAT IS YOUR WEIGHT CATEGORY? Height

Weight

5’ 9”

206 lbs

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April 2023

Home There is no place like

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April 2023

34

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Rescue &

April 2023

Rewards

Student Volunteer Earns More Than $1 Million in College Scholarships

A

| By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: MIA BADILLO |

local student’s heart of gold

and academic acumen have earned $1 million in college

scholarships -- and then some.

Mia Badillo is a 17-year old student who has

attended the Loretto Academy for 13 years

and is a volunteer at the Animal Rescue

Badillo says prior to that adoption, she was afraid of dogs after a harrowing experience.

League. Badillo first became involved with

“I had actually grown up terrified of dogs. I

their first dog.

park. So growing up, I was terrified of dogs.

animal rescuing after her family rescued

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

had an incident where a dog chased me at a I got my first dog when I was in fourth grade

and I adopted her from Animal Rescue when she was 10 weeks old,” she says. “That’s when I really started to get into volunteering with animals and I got over my fear.”

Badillo started an animal rescue club at school in seventh grade, recruiting one of 35

R e s c u e & R e wa r d s her teachers to sponsor the club and help students fundraise for local animal rescues.

“My friends and I would get together to make different arts and crafts, then sell them to

April 2023 doing that with my mom a little while before COVID started. But after that, we became

what the Animal Rescue League calls adoption counselors -- it’s really cool.

our peers,” says Badillo. “We would accept

We go to the Animal Rescue League, then

Rescue League.”

transport usually five to six dogs from the

money and then donate all of it to the Animal

The City Magazine sat down with Badillo to talk about animal rescue and the rewards

we take a van with all the crates inside, and shelter to PetSmart near Sunland Park Mall.

We stay there from 11am to 2pm.

that come from diligence.

We try to get those dogs adopted and we

The City Magazine

like the dogs that we take to PetSmart, we

How did you become involved with the Animal Rescue League?

Mia Badillo

I started volunteering with the Animal

give people more information. If they don’t direct them back to the shelter. We’re there

to give advice and raise awareness for shelter animals.

I love that’s what we do now.

Rescue League in 2019, and started doing

TCM

some shelter dogs out and you run them or

get adopted?

Rescue Runners, which is where you take walk them on a trail near the shelter. I started

How many dogs do you think you’ve helped

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April 2023

MB

TCM

the past couple of years and I think we’re at

Do you have one?

My mom has actually been keeping track for about 70 dogs.

TCM

Ttell me about college and all this scholarship money you’ve earned.

MB

I’m a senior, and there’s a lot of things to be

done for college. At the beginning of the school year is when college applications started opening. I applied to any college that

What’s your dream school?

MB

I don’t have a dream school. I talk to my friends about this all the time. I think growing up, a lot of my friends did have dream

schools and they always knew kind of where

they wanted to go. And that’s never been me.

I’m looking at all of my options, and seeing what’s going to work out best for me.

I could. I was getting emails about certain

I know that I do want to stay close to

essays done, recommendation letters done,

especially because wherever I go after I

fee waivers. So, I was just applying: I had my all of that kind of stuff.

I would say in January is when I really started

to get responses; I started to get letters back

home, wherever I go. I like the Southwest,

graduate I always want to end up back in El Paso because I’m from El Paso born and raised in El Paso. So are my parents.

saying that I have been accepted. I started

The community has done a lot for me and I

stuff. But there are a few more colleges that

and the degree that I choose to follow.

to get more scholarships, and all that kind of I have applied to.

It’s been kind of surreal. Life’s moving quickly, but I’m excited for what the future holds.

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there has been a lot of issues that have come to light.

I would just love to help people who don’t have the resources, different health resources, or access to health care. I

think that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in life.

so it’s nice to finally see it pay off. After all

I think that that success also includes

goal. And it’s easy to say, “Why am I doing

leading a healthy life. So, I would really like to come back here and work here.

TCM

of these years, you kind of lose sight of the all this work?” Once you actually get that

recognition, then you see what it’s all for.

That’s been really special.

I am very self determined; I don’t really need to have people telling me what to do.

I know what I need to do, and I’m going to

get it done. I think that being so organized has definitely helped me a lot: being on top

of things, staying structured, following a routine has always done wonders for me.

What was it like as you started getting the

TCM

TCM

award amounts?

think it is about you that earned you these

comes from?

scholarship letters back and adding up the

MB

I want you to brag a little bit. What do you amazing awards?

They actually kind of came all at once. I

MB

At first, I thought I would receive a few

to be perfect because I don’t think that’s

started to get a bunch of emails in January. scholarships but nothing near as much money as I did receive.

I thought, maybe a few thousand dollars.

But I’ve been getting full rides to a few schools, which I think is absolutely amazing.

I’m very grateful and I’m proud of myself,

as well. I know that I put in the hard work 38

Probably my determination. I never strive realistic.

I strive every day to do better than I did the day before. Whether it’s something having to do with school, my personal life, friendships,

Where do you think your determination

MB

I owe a lot to my parents. I’m an only child, so I’ve kind of always been around them my

whole life. I think of them more as my best friends, they’re such inspirations to me. I see how hard they work every single day and

how much they’ve provided for me, and I’m extremely fortunate and grateful for that.

relationships, anything like that, I know

All I want to do in life is to reach that kind of

opportunity to do better. I think about that

that they’ll help me do that. They’ve always

that every day provides me with another every day, and I use it to my advantage.

success that they’ve reached, and I know been extremely supportive, no matter what

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

__________

I’m doing, and they’re always there for me.

So they’re definitely my biggest inspirations

and they’ve always kept me on the right path.

TCM

SI

April 2023

E LV

R WI NNER

2021 2019 2018 2014 2013

___________

BES

T I TA L I A N F

OO

D

What have you learned about people from working with animals?

MB

I think by volunteering at the Animal Rescue League, and meeting people. Whether it’s at

the shelter or at PetSmart when we’re doing

adoptions, you really see a different side of

people. It’s so eye-opening to see how much animals truly mean in someone’s life.

We’ve had certain times where people have adopted dogs from PetSmart, and they’re

just in tears once they adopt their dogs.

They’re so happy, and a lot of the time it has

to do with the fact that maybe they recently lost a dog or something like that, so they’re

still in that recovering phase. Once they actually get to adopt the new dog, it gets really emotional for them.

Something that really hits me is when people who are adopting new dogs come up to my

parents and me to thank us for volunteering.

They’ll say things like, “Oh, you’re such great people” or “It’s great that you’re doing this, we need more people like you.” For me, it’s

never been about getting recognition or anything, but when people say that I’m kind of a thing, I’m caught off guard.

I’m like, “Why are you thanking me?” So it’s

really cool to see our work appreciated, but at the same time that’s not the goal.

When we’re volunteering with other people, and we’re meeting new people, it’s really cool

to see how animals kind of bring everyone together. I don’t know many people who don’t like dogs or who don’t like cats.

I

feel

like

everyone

can

share

the

understanding that animals make life better. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

39

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Keep It Local, we know you and you know us

Profiles

Home Building Professionals This month, we’re excited to showcase El Paso’s esteemed professionals in the

home building and construction industry. From hardware fixtures and pools, to heating and cooling systems, we can say with confidence that these businesses are built on a foundation of excellence.

ART MASTERS of El Paso

THE ART OF FRAMING

Art Masters of El Paso

(915) 833-3838 6501 N. Mesa, Ste. C El Paso, TX 79912 www.artmastersofelpaso.com

42 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

A New Beginning Estate Sales and Appraisals 915-740-1027 Anewbeginning10@hotmail.com Anewbeginningestatesales.net

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Tina-Marie Hew Len-Castro, CEO/Partner

Douglas Anthony, Founder/Partner Eduardo Ugalde, certified appraiser

Why this partnership?

People trust in us to frame meaningful artwork or preserve their new-found treasures and family heirlooms. The first question is, “What is this worth?” It felt natural to combine our talents to provide an all-encompassing service for our community.

What value do you bring to this partnership?

Douglas has trained with international, master framers on the latest techniques and innovative picture framing and preservation processes in today’s modern art world. He provides 40+ years of expertise and solutions to the most complex art and framing projects in our industry.

As a former Chief Operating Officer and marketing & development professional in the non-profit sector, Tina-Marie’s design eye and long-standing relationships Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

in the community has allowed us to grow our clientele, interior design consultations, art leasing programs, and promote new, local artists in El Paso.

As an antique and art collector for 20+ years, Eddie is a certified appraisal specialist, possesses a strong understanding of the art market, and has a proven history of achievements in identifying the authenticity and value of artwork and sculptures of different time periods.

What can our readers expect from this partnership?

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We will be scheduling public walk-in hours for on-site appraisals. We are also expanding our reach to support more local artists by holding art exhibitions throughout the year. The talent in our community is a hidden treasure in of itself.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 43

Eduardo Ugalde, certified appraiser A New Beginning Estate Sales and Appraisals A New Beginning Estate Sales and Appraisals a_new_beginning_estate_sales

What makes you stand out as a estate sale company?

As a certified appraiser, we have the highest standard of ethics and get you the most revenue for your estate. We treat our clients with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

What have been your highlights in the industry?

I have assisted special collections departments worldwide, as well as museums and auction houses, with appraisals and artifacts for their specified needs. We have done estate sales for the “Average Joe” to local celebrities like Jay J. Armes, Boyd Elder, Richard Schwartz, Joe Gomez, etc.

44 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

(915) 740-1027 Anewbeginning10@hotmail.com Anewbeginningestatesales.net

How are you and Art Masters working together?

We assist Art Masters with appraisals, and clients can either bring their items to their store, or I can go to them.

From antiques to art, we will soon have in-store appraisal events that will be open to the public.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

ART MASTERS of El Paso

Douglas Anthony, Founder/Partner Tina-Marie Hew Len-Castro, CEO/Partner What makes you stand out as a business?

Framing is an art, and we are experts in preservation framing, conservation materials (i.e., acid-free archival matting) and art preservation techniques. Our specialties include custom frames and mirrors; on-site design consultations; art restorations and appraisals; customized art sales and leasing; and art transportation & installation. We are very fortunate to have an established clientele that includes our community’s hospitals, universities, local charities, school districts, banks, interior designers, architects, local artists, hospitality, construction developers, and artists and galleries throughout Texas and New Mexico.

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

We are the “go-to” company for simple or intricate framing projects. We use cutting-edge materials and stay current with industry trends. We’re excited to announce our new partnership with A New Beginning Estate Sales and Appraisals.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for upcoming, on-site appraisal events and art exhibitions.

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

Our city is rich in beauty and culture, the weather is unbeatable, and the people are welcoming.

There is no place like home!

How do you help to improve spaces for your clients?

Listening is the key. Asking the right questions encourages people to instinctively move away from their comfort zone to create a more unique and personalized space.

(915) 833-3838 6501 N. Mesa, Ste. C El Paso, TX 79912 www.artmastersofelpaso.com Art Masters of El Paso artmastersofelpaso

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 45

Winton & Associates

6300 Escondido Dr El Paso Texas 79912 wintonhomes.com 915-584-8629 Winton & Associates WintonFlair_customhomes 46 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photograph provided by Winton & Associates

Winton & Associates What makes you stand out as a company?

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

Why should readers turn to you for their real estate needs?

How do you help to make a house a home for your clients?

We strive to bring quality, design innovation, and energy efficiency to all of our homes. We are an 8x nationally recognized energy star builder, setting the tone in El Paso & Southern New Mexico.

We are not in the home building business, we are in the people business. Our clients come first! From our affordable Accent Series to our Flair and Winton Custom Series, We have the homes to serve our community at any season of life.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

El Paso and the surrounding area truly is a melting pot of amazing people. The incredible community and beautiful landscape gives us the daily motivation to build the best homes in the city!

We take care of the hard stuff. Our incredible Winton team provides our clients with drafting and interior design professionals to help bring their visions to life, a personalized communication app during the construction process, and paid closing costs through our preferred lender to help save money for the future. When our clients turn the key and open the door to their Winton Build they will be HOME! SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 47

Progressive Pool Systems 10015 Carnegie Ave. (915) 256-6070 progressivepoolelpaso.com Progressivepoolelpaso@gmail.com 915poolguy

48 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Progressive Pool Systems What makes you stand out as a business?

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

How do you help to improve spaces for your clients?

We are a third generation family business. By using us for your pool needs, you are supporting our kids baseball, hockey and dance passions while keeping your money in El Paso.

Our reputation is important to us. You don’t keep your company going for over 50 years by not proving that people can trust you. We use American made products and we do not take the cheap way out.

Why would we not choose El Paso? The people, the food, the weather. We can’t imagine raising our families anywhere else. El Paso always has been and always will be home.

Everyone has the smart phone, smart car, smart home, why not have a smart pool & backyard? We specialize in installing the Hayward Omni logic which allows you to control your pool and outdoor features from your phone! We can also help with more energy efficient options to get the most out of your pool.

Question Answer

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 49

Over 35 years of experience

Bomanite Artistic Concrete and Pools 1860 W Paisano Dr. El Paso, TX 79922 (915) 533-6497 bomaniteconcrete.com

50 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 51

Myriam Montes, Myriam’s Faux Finish Studio

What makes you stand out as a business?

My passion is what sets me apart—I truly love what I do and as a result, my clients love what I do! I invest a vast amount of preparation into every project with the goal of staying ahead of the curve. I stay current within my craft to deliver the latest, cutting edge techniques. I’ve completed projects for the majority of GECU’s in El Paso, numerous homes and doctors’ offices in our area, to projects in Arizona and New Mexico.

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

Anyone looking for top notch work and a diversity of undertakings can turn to me for their design needs.

I have both residential and commercial expertise and can take on projects big and small. As I like to say, I can make something ordinary into something extraordinary!

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

I love the people, safety and comfort of our city and the climate’s unbeatable. I’m often asked why I haven’t moved to a bigger city where my work would surely take off, but I simple love it here. My family is also in El Paso and that happily grounds me here!

How do you help to improve spaces for your clients?

I consult my clients by gaining inspiration within their spaces to draw colors and styles that I believe will achieve their vision. It’s a collaborative effort with every client and they are always thrilled with the outcome.

5024 Doniphan, Ste. 8 El Paso, TX 79932 915-861-8409 myriamjmn@icloud.com Myriam Faux Finish Studio myriamsfauxfinishstudio

52 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photography provided by Myriam’s Fuax Finish

PLUMBING • PIPEFITTING PIPE WELDING • HVAC-R

UA Local 412

510 San Pedro Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 (505) 265-1513 www.ualocal412.org What makes you stand out as a business?

Our mission prioritizes helping members build a better life for themselves and their families. We commit to our core values and provide benefits for all members for life.

Ed Sanchez, Welding Coordinator

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

We have the highest standards in training, safety and health, have fair wages and benefits, and build industry relationships.

Why do you choose to serve El Paso?

We love El Paso, Texas for its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the delicious food and vibrant arts scene to the stunning desert landscapes and friendly community, El Paso has something for everyone.

How do you help to improve spaces for your clients?

Union labor improves workplace conditions and provides members with a voice in the trade.

Photograph provided by UA Local 412

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 53

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|

H o r i zo n T X

Photography provided by LEH Home

Lone Star Title lonestartitle.com 6701 North Mesa St. El Paso, TX 79912 (915) 545-2222 What makes you stand out as a title company?

Lone Star Title has an in-house examination team that handles all of our title examinations in our Westside office. We are able to offer extremely fast turnaround times on these title examinations, which in turn helps keep closing delays to a minimum.

Why should readers turn to you for real estate needs?

For nearly 25 years, Lone Star Title Company of El Paso has been the premier title company in El Paso. We are a locallyowned independent title agent, but we also have tremendous support from our national underwriters which gives us the capability to resolve the toughest title issues that may arise.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

Our Founder and President, John C. Martin, started Lone Star Title Company of El Paso in 1999. His three children -- Marshall, Susan and Luke, all live in El Paso and are involved in the dayto-day operations of the company. The El Paso community has helped build LST into the title agent we are today, and LST is proud to be a locally-owned family business. We hire locally and are passionate about giving back to our community.

How do you help to make a house into a home for your clients?

Our escrow closing staff handles each transaction as if it were their own family buying, selling, or refinancing real property. We pride ourselves on consistent communication with realtors, lenders, surveyors, buyers and sellers, between the minute a contract comes in our doors and when closing day arrives.

Nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients’ smiling faces at the closing table. Stop by one of our five locations today to see how we can help you!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 55

I TREAT YOUR HOME LIKE IT’S MY OWN

Rudy Corral, The Home Systems Heating and Cooling

12353 Paseo Nuevo Dr. El Paso, Tx. 79928 (915) 630-2352

What makes you stand out as a business?

We’ve been in business 20 years, we treat your home like it’s our own.

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

We’re a company that people can trust for work done right and to code.

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

As El Paso transitions to refrigerated air, our local business is needed to serve the community.

How do you help to improve spaces for your clients?

A job well done includes all aspects of heating and cooling to include repairs of ductwork, electrical and aesthetic items to ensure you have a safe and beautiful home.

56 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Profiles

Real Estate The most common axiom of the real estate industry is “Location, location, location!” and you’ve come to the

right place. This month, look no further than the following pages for all your real estate needs when it comes to agents, titles, and more.

Michelle Medrano

1626 N. Lee Treviño Ste. A, El Paso TX 79936 heliosrealestatetx.com/agents/michelle-medrano 915-204-3259

58 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLVIAS

Michelle Medrano, Realtor at Helios Real Estate, Listing agent with Casas De Leon What makes you stand out as a real estate agent?

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

Why should readers turn to you for their real estate needs?

How do you help to make a house a home for your clients?

I have a Masters degree in Social Work from UTEP. With experience and knowledge I dedicate my time and efforts to fulfill people’s dreams in buying their home. I have been in the real estate industry for 10 years and have a passion to be a Realtor.

I am extremely competent and strive by learning everyday about what the new market brings us. The extensive knowledge in real estate allows me to provide white glove delivery service to my current and future clients with a tradition of trust.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLVIAS

I was born and raised in El Paso. I chose to continue my residence and career because this multicultural community is my family. My roots generate from our border sister country and I feel an obligation to share my knowledge and work ethics to my community.

A house is just shelter. A home is where I bring my client’s dreams home.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 59

Eric Smith, Cornerstone Realty 7181 Westwind Dr., Suite B El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 996-1559

60 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Eric Smith, Cornerstone Realty What makes you stand out as a real estate agent:

Since entering the Real Estate industry in 2010, it has been a continuous 13 years of growth. With that experience, I offer all of my clients an edge in valuing, negotiating and ultimately enjoying the process of working together to meet their real estate needs.

Why should readers refer to me for their real estate needs?

In a real estate transaction, you only get one opportunity to set the very best terms. My clients in return receive my undivided commitment to handle the Sale or Purchase of property here in El Paso. The El Paso Real Estate market is healthy, I have vested interest in its prosperity, so there are long term business relationships that have formed and will continue to form with my clientele.

Why do you choose to work and live in El Paso?

This is home, where I was born, raised and now raise my family, have many good friends, and conduct my full-time real estate consulting business, while enjoying the many benefits of living in the El Paso community.

How do you help to make a house into a home for your clients?

I have generated a personal list of quality home services contracting vendors that I routinely refer to help my real estate clients get their property to a level of comfort that they expect from their home. My hidden agenda is that I hope my real estate services exceed my clients expectations, and that they will enjoy residing in and around El Paso for many years to come.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 61

415 N. Mesa St. El Paso, Texas (915) 225-8200 stewart.com

62 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Melanie Jones, Division President Stewart Title Company Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

I am proud to be a native El Pasoan and I choose to keep El Paso my home because of the people. El Pasoans are warm, welcoming, smart, and enterprising. It is exciting to watch our city grow while maintaining the feel of a friendly community.

What makes Stewart Title stand out in the title industry?

Our people! For over a century, we have hired the brightest minds and friendliest people. Our associates have the knowledge, skills and tools needed to make sure that even the most complex transaction is effortless for all involved.

How does Stewart Title help make a house into a home?

A house turns into a home when the owner has peace of mind.

Title insurance is only one part of providing that peace of mind.

We use the most up-to-date technology to be sure that our customers are protected from wire fraud and safeguard their personal information.

Why should readers turn to Stewart Title for their title insurance needs?

A smooth customer experience makes for a happy homeowner.

Our priority is to provide reasonable solutions, quick responses and the help you need to ensure a smooth closing.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 63

Mountain Star Mortgage LLC NMLS # 2188361

Jesus G. Leos

NMLS#1426910 jesus@mountainstarmortgage.com 3351 George Dieter Building B. El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 543-0643

64 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Jesus G. Leos, Mountain Star Mortgage LLC What do you specialize in?

FHA/CONV/USDA/VA • Commercial • Bank Statement Construction • Land Loans • Foreign Natl ITIN • Bank Statement Program • Hard Money

Why should readers trust you with their mortgage needs?

Experience is key in this business and with over 10 years’ experience I understand buyers. No matter how difficult your scenario is or how many times you have been turned down we pride ourselves on providing the best home loan experience for our clients.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Why do you choose to serve El Paso?

El Paso is HOME, this is where I decided to start a family, and my business. This city is truly unlike any other in the state, El Pasoans are welcoming, kindhearted and respectful. Not to mention the fantastic sunny weather, affordable housing, and great quality of life.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Started in the Mortgage world as a Mortgage Broker’s assistant, and a few months later I started processing loans. Got licensed and became a loan officer after a few years I became a Senior Loan officer to now being business owner and Mortgage Broker providing the best experience to my clients.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 65

Grace Martinez

(915) 787-9803 grace@mario-ayala.com grace.mario-ayala.com

Representing MAREG and Pointe Homes in both El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Photographed by: ????

66 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed Photographed by: by: SERGIO SERGIO OLIVAS OLIVAS

Abraham J. Herndon community specialist at Cimarron Canyon

(915) 231-0463 11351 James Watt Unit C-500 abraham@mario-ayala.com pointe.homes.com Pointe Homes available in Cimarron Canyon

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 67

RaÚl Ivan Ruiz

10 years of experience

Pre-foreclosure • Foreclosure • Probate • Property management (915) 221-3516

68 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Beatriz Alderete

(915) 383-3835 beatriz.realestate18@gmail.com

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

BUY | SELL | INVEST

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 69

9611 Acer St. Unit 108 (915) 777-0269

iamvictoriaolivia Queen Up Now

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Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Joe Moreno, Realtor, MAREG 915 274 2778 Morenosellsrealestate.com 11351 James Watt Unit C-500

joemorenorealestateagent

Joe Moreno Texas Real Estate Agent

Photographed by: LUNA ISABEL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 71

Laura Diaz, Exit Realty

(915) 449-8399 • 1700 N. Zaragoza Ste. 117 El Paso, Texas 79936

What makes you stand out as a real estate agent?

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

Why should readers turn to you for their real estate needs?

How do you help make your house a home for your clients?

My ability to communicate with people. I’m incredibly passionate about helping and serving the people in our community with all their real estate needs. Seeing the faces of my clients and the fulfillment in owning a home is a blessing that warms my heart.

As a licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas, I am constantly staying updated with the rules and regulations and local housing market. I am able to share my knowledge with my buyers and sellers. My priority is always having my client’s best interest at heart.

72 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Serving our community for the last 29 years, I have built partnerships and great friendships that have brought me great joy. Raising my own family has been one of my biggest accomplishments, which makes me work harder for my community..

Finding the area they desire to live in, and asking their needs and wants. Walking into a house and saying “YES! To the address!” makes it a home. Once they receive their keys in their hands and get tears in their eyes assures me that I have found them a home where the heart is.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 73

ICONCUSTOMEBUILDER.COM

SANTA TERESA,NM

RISEHOMES.NET

575.255.0000 74 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Becca McBroom, CCIM JMT Properties

300 N Resler, Suite A El Paso, TX 79912 jmtprop.com (915) 613-5376

What makes you stand out as a real estate agent?

At JMT Properties, we exclusively work on commercial real estate including industrial, retail and office. I am focused on understanding the El Paso commercial market dynamics including property values, rental rates, local laws and impending development. My experience as a CCIM, a designation which only 10% of real estate professionals have earned, leads me to look at every sale or lease transaction with a 360 degree view.

Why should readers turn to you for their real estate needs?

I am a detailed information provider.

I take pride in analyzing and cleanly laying out deal points as groundwork for my client’s decision making. I am also good at finding creative solutions to sticking points on a deal. I treat every transaction as if it were my own investment and make recommendations to my clients with this attitude.

Why do you choose to live and work in El Paso?

El Paso is a special tight-knit community because of its people and because of its size. I can be connected in El Paso in a way that is not possible in other cities. This helps me provide an elevated level of service to my clients because I can help them navigate market conditions, contract procedure, vendor recommendations and more.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLVIAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

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Cassandra Delgado, Mario Ayala Real Estate Group 11351 James Watt Dr. Unite C500 El Paso, Texas, 79936

76 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: JAMIAH DANCIL

April 2023

Inside Blueprints & B-Words for Women’s Success with Tricia Kagerer | By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: JORDAN FOSTER CONSTRUCTION |

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April 2023

‘‘H

ow do you create an environment

A sold-out crowd of (mostly) women were

bringing in a diverse workforce

Peggy, in March for the El Paso Association

where -- if you’re intentionally -- do they have a safe place to

be? Are they going to be welcomed? How are they going to be treated in the field? How do we break down some of those barriers of how to be authentic at work?”

These are a few of the practical and

philosophical questions that Tricia Kagerer asks herself each day. Kagerer is the

Executive Vice President of Risk Management

for Jordan Foster Construction, author of

“The B Words: 13 Words Every Woman Must Navigate for Success,” and in the unique

position to implement solutions to her questions, creating a blueprint for change.

“One day I’ll be at a construction project

meeting with our field safety leader group,”

she explains. “Then another day, I’m in the corporate office negotiating our risk management strategy.”

Kagerer hails from El Paso and two generations

of fierce women who taught her to ask, “If not me, then who?”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

treated to stories of Kagerer’s grandmother, of

Contractors’

Construction

inaugural

luncheon

at

Women

the

El

in

Paso

Community Foundation Room where Kagerer gave the keynote address.

During the event, Kagerer weaved stories of

her grandmother -- an Irish immigrant who

sold moonshine out of a baby carriage in New York City during Prohibition, rather than join a convent or enter an arranged marriage with

a farmer from her village -- with statistics on women in the construction industry.

For example, women makeup only about 10.4 percent of the construction industry’s

workforce, up slightly from years past, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“That’s still a pretty small percentage,” explains Kagerer of the traditionally

male-dominated industry, “but you’re

seeing women in the field; you’re seeing

women equipment operators; you’re also seeing opportunities created by advancing

techology. Construction has historically

“The reality is construction companies have

in that way, but you’re seeing women fill

people who are interested in joining the

lagged behind in technology and advancing those roles as well.”

Kagerer’s career has led to more than 20 years experience in construction risk management

and safety, refining her expertise in risk and

safety management, leadership, culture, and performance excellence.

“These

conversations

have

led

to

implementing leadership and education

training, and a focus on overall wellness for

business,” Kagerer says. “Construction has an image problem. The industry is known for

being a tough and dirty industry because of the extreme demands. The workforce is out in the field in the elements performing dangerous work. The industry is changing

and technology is advancing, which will help

that image. There is so much opportunity, and it’s just been something that women have shied away from.”

our team,” she adds.

Kagerer seized the opportunity to create

Kagerer is one of the few women executives

creating a culture of care initiative and total

who sits at the C-suite table but is

determined to open doors, shatter glass ceilings, and build the framework for a culture of care that supports a diverse -- and happy -- workforce.

80

so much work, and there are just not enough

change at Jordan Foster Construction by worker health initiative and focusing on a total worker health initiative to expand the company’s definition of safety.

“We believe that people need to know how www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023

Inside Blueprints & B-Words for Women’s Success

to do their jobs,” says Kagerer. “That requires

“I’ve always been a woman that travels and

have good leaders to look up to, who have

sure that you’re safe,” says Kagerer. “Get a

education and training. Our team need to

excellent communication skills -- that that’s part of leadership. We need to -- of course

-- be observing and making sure that the projects are run well. We know that projects

that focus on safety are also more productive and ultimately more profitable. We must be

experts on creating that environment and multiple that culture on every project.”

there are things that you want to do to make decent hotel, make sure that it’s in a good area. If you’re driving at night by yourself,

make sure someone knows where you are.

If using rideshare apps, share your location with a friend or family member. Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your

intuition. These are things that go into the realm of safety.”

For women executives like Kagerer who

Kagerer is committed to continue to pave

the utmost importance and extends beyond

happy to lead by example.

often travel (and travel alone), safety is of

the hard hatted and steel toed booted

the way for women in construction and

construction sites.

“I’m very intentional about creating role

According to a 2021 survey on women’s

really believe it’s important for people to

safety, 88 percent of respondents reported

feeling somewhat threatened or unsafe while traveling.

models for young women,” she says. “I

see someone that looks like them doing something that they might want to do.”

A REVOLUTION IN MEN’S GROOMING IS NOW OPEN!

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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April 2023

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(915) 703-1778 | info@strykercyber.com 82

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April 2023

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

83

A CHA April 2023

‘THE CHA

and and

84

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MPION April 2023

ALLENGE’

a

| By: ERIN COULEHAN and AMBER LANAHAN photography by: SERGIO OLIVAS |

All hail, Horacio Gutierrez JrEl Paso’s

Herculean heart throb. Gutierrez Jr.

is an athlete and adventurer who

captured the hearts of millions of people across the country when

he appeared Telemundo’s “Exatlon Estados Unidos” then on MTV’s

reality show, “The Challenge,” where he was

disqualified during the final challenge after his partner, Olivia, was medically removed.

Despite the loss, fans on the internet and IRL still say he’s a champion.

“Him and Olivia were the best,” reads a viewer comment on The Challenge’s website. “He’s

definitely gonna be a fierce competitor and future champ if they bring him back.”

Despite his adventures and busy travel www.thecitymagazineelp.com

schedule, El Paso is home.

85

April 2023 “This is where I was born and raised,” he

says. “My family lives here and I will always proudly say I am the 915. El Paso moldred me to become the person I am today, and I will eternally have love for my city.

Something to know about Gutierrez Jr., who

graduated from El Dorado High School in

2014, is he doesn’t turn away from a challenge -- he sprints towards them, quite literally.

We’re inside the Franklin Mountains on one of the windiest weekends of 2023, where

we meet Gutierrez Jr. in-person for the first time. His Instagram -- with more than 100K followers -- showcases the life of a soccer super star who embraces new experiences

and has a knack for physical fitness. IRL, he’s a down-to-earth individual with an honest

enthusiasm for experiencing the world around him, who is game for a challenge and able to adapt quickly.

Upon his arrival to the shoot, the fitness

star opted for an achromatic style with a white linen shirt, distressed gray jeans,

and a pair of clean white sneakers. The only accessories were a simple watch,

sunglasses, a small gold chain around his neck, and pristine white sneakers that would later be dust ridden from the hike.

Making the walk to the shooting location,

Gutierrez Jr. gave us a glimpse into his busy lifestyle, getting prepared for training with his San Diego Sockers teammates, a Grand

Canyon Run, and coming home to visit his beloved little sister.

“I practically live inside of my car, “ he laughed,

“in the course of these past few days I finished

working a job that included filming, drove straight here afterwards to spend time with

my family, and tomorrow I’m heading back to begin training with my team in San Diego.”

Once the photo team and he were atop the

mountain, the team took full advantage of the afternoon overcast to take snapshots 86

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023 with the El Paso cityscape serving as the

shoot’s backdrop. Offering his full attention to the photographer’s direction, Gutierrez

Jr. engaged in some light banter, contrary to the perceived notion of the many who have assumed the fitness star was a bit abrasive.

“People tend to have the wrong first

impression of me before they speak to me, assuming I’m ‘arrogant’ or ‘intimidating’ (I’ve been told). I am the complete opposite!

I’m a very quiet, shy guy. I spend most of my time alone, so people may see that and immediately think negatively. Once someone initiates conversation, I am good

to go; but I’m not the best at ‘making the first move,’” he shared.

After completing the glamor part of the shoot,

it was time to capture photos in the element he feels the closest to himself, fitness.

Consulting with the team what these shots

were to entail, Gutierrez Jr. took it upon

himself to run -- not walk -- back to his car

for an outfit change, a true testament to his

earlier statement about his car becoming his second home. Descending the mountain

at a steady pace with relative ease left The

City Magazine team with a feeling of envy and a budding sense of foreboding for the fitness shots to come.

But the heavens appeared anxiously awaiting the fitness shots.

The sun was lambent on Gutierrez Jr. with

a gentle beam that provided a natural spotlight as he worked his way back up

the mountain in a jog. The snap-snap-snap

of the camera’s shutter could be heard as the lens worked to capture Gutierrez Jr. ‘s every movement.

As the team transitioned the shoot to Tom Lea Park, he shared an unexpected side gig he’d

had in high school with hip hop dance crew and quinceañeras maestros, Weros Productions.

No less physical than anything else for this www.thecitymagazineelp.com

87

April 2023 fitness aficionado, Gutierrez Jr. shared how he and

his crew would attend quinceañeras and help get the party started with rhythmic choreography and intense feats of physical prowess.

“Ever since I was five years old, I’ve wanted to be a

professional soccer player,” he said. With this goal -- or challenge -- achieved, Gutierrez Jr. is now thinking about his next adventure.

“I’m slowly moving away from the soccer dream.

I’m not sure what my dream job would be.

Although, there was a point in my life where I wanted to have an ice cream truck solely to eat all the ice cream myself.”

Ice cream dreams aside, his goal is to

continue to challenge himself.

“I know I want to demand my body and mind to do

difficult things,” he explains. I want to expand my

knowledge and grow through different experiences.

I want to travel, I want to push my limits physically and mentally -- and simply enjoy life.”

His positivity is magnetic, and recognized when he’s out in public.

“I was at Peter Piper Pizza with my mom and little sister, then some girls started saying, ‘Horacio,

Horacio!’ and asked to take some selfies,” he says of his most recent visit home.

Gutierrez Jr.’s innate charm was not lost to those around him during the shoot, as shown

in one instance with a young teen couple, who’d seemingly come to the park to enjoy the romantic cityscape without parental interference.

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April 2023

A Champion and ‘The Challenge’

Initially, the pair were in their own romantic little world.

However, the subtle glint of a cell phone screen

caught the light of the setting sun soon revealed the young lady of the pair “discretely’ panning

her camera over the city view and those around her until the camera was stilled on Gutierrez Jr.

for several moments before she quickly returned

the camera to her boyfriend as the video’s closing shot.

All of this was unbeknownst to Gutierrez Jr., who’d

been focused on creating the perfect image for the camera.

With a crane kick that’d put Daniel LaRusso to

shame, he concluded the shoot with a single jump kick in the air.

As we return to our vehicles, a quinceanera

court arrives to take photos, the girls not too inconspicuously eyeing Gutierrez Jr. and excitedly squeezing each other’s hands, as if pinching themselves to prove the celebrity sighting.

“Maybe I should get Weros Productions back together for one night only” laughs Gutierrez Jr.

The city of El Paso is a place that helped shape his character and his efforts to never let go of the home he came from.

“I don’t know exactly what is next for me or what my dream job is, which is okay to not know,” he says. “But God and life will guide me to it. I am just along for the ride.”

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April 2023

Journey | By: AMBER LANAHAN photos courtesy of: LESLIE VILLARREAL |

A SURVIVOR’S

90

I

found the lump when I was in the

shower,” says Lesley Villarreal, a

photographer and lover of life, as she

looks back on her 13 month journey with

stage three breast cancer. “I just felt a little lump on the side of my right breast.”

In a country facing a precarious situation

with COVID-19 and a healthcare system requiring referral after referral, it’d take

Villarreal 10 months to finally get an

ultrasound. During that time, the mass continued to grow at a rapid pace.

“I ended up having to find an entirely new

primary care physician, and when I did, that

doctor started to get the ball rolling. We got the ultrasound results and he immediately called me into his office. We hadn’t even done a biopsy yet, but he sat me down and

told me that this was very serious. He told me that this was cancer, and we wouldn’t believe otherwise until the tests show something different,” says Villarreal.

After 10 stressful months, she was getting a

biopsy, and the results proved the worst to be true, breast cancer. Stage three.

Almost a week after receiving her diagnosis,

Villarreal was swept into a whirlwind of chemotherapy and appointments.

“I remember, it was my first round of chemo and I was in the front seat of my

car absolutely terrified. COVID regulations

were still stringent, so I had to go into it

alone. So, I’m new, terrified, and getting hooked up for the first time when I see

this tiny woman come through the door.

She walks in with her beanie on, with

a rolling suitcase trailing behind her like she owns the joint, and takes a seat in

her chair. They hook her up, and she pops open the suitcase and starts knitting.

I remember thinking she was such a badass, and telling myself that I was going to be liike her,” she recalls. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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A Survivor’s Journey

April 2023 This

moment

would

leave

a

lasting

impression helped form how she’d face her treatment and this disease moving forward.

Commuting between Marfa and El Paso

every few weeks for treatment would take its

toll. Still, through the efforts of her husband,

friends, family, and community, some of

these burdens were lessened as individuals

helped in any way they could. Family and

neighbors would cook for the couple while her husband worked between their regular drives to and from El Paso.

A significant pillar of support was born from Villarrreal’s first social media post discussing

her diagnosis. “There was a girl who reached out to me who had also just been diagnosed

with stage three, and we were like, literally

one week apart on all our treatments and appointments.

We

walked

each

other

through all of it, just texting and checking in with one another. It was helpful to have

a person who understood, and was going through the same stuff as me,” she says.

Treatments would gradually become a place

of community for as she chatted with nursing staff with her laptop open, ready to work.

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April 2023

El Paso's Leading Pain Management Physicians

OUR NEW LOCATIONS 11450 GATEWAY N, SUITE 2100 “When I had my double mastectomy, there

fortunate enough to beat it, there’s going to

regularly check up on me. There was a time

deal with long-term.” For her, some of these

was a woman, one of the nurses, who’d we talked about my hair because by then, I’d

pretty much lost it, and she kept telling me what shampoo I should get to help it grow.

Now, she speaks a little bit of English, and my

Spanish is horrible. I was trying to figure out

be an ongoing set of concerns you’ll have to

long-term struggles she’s forced to face are

neuropathy, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet due to nerve damage, and waves of exhaustion.

what it was she was saying because I could

Two symptoms that are troubling to a

The next morning when they released me,

to be on her feet for hours on end while

understand some of it, but I got nowhere.

she came running up and handed me this giant shampoo bottle. She went and bought it to give to me when I was leaving. I still use

the shampoo.” These touching moments with her treatment team provided her with a

much-needed respite after the bumpy start to her diagnosis.

One of the hardest parts faced in her

battle against this illness would be the chemotherapy, as healthy and diseased

cells were seared away with each treatment.

“It’s tough. It completely destroys your

photographer whose work requires her holding a camera steady. “It’s little things like

vacuuming or cleaning the house that really wears you out. It takes time for the body to snap back and recover,” she says.

When asked about information she wished

she’d been told to better prepare for what

she was to face with this disease and its treatment, it was the mental strain brought

about by the ordeal over the physical

difficulties that she wished could’ve been discussed, in addition to resources that’d assist in addressing these burdens.

body,” says Villarreal. “There’s just so much

“The mental stuff is what I feel people don’t

outside of nausea and severe bone pain.

it (treatment), you’re just surviving, but then

stuff that people don’t realize happens

Your body’s sick. You’re brought to the brink of death to kill this cancer, and if you’re www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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talk about, the trauma of it. When you’re in

it starts to get to the end of treatment, and

they’re basically saying, ‘Bye!’ It’s crazy

(915) 313-4443 westtexaspain.com 93

A Survivor’s Journey

April 2023

how much trauma there is that you have to

and being informed of her treatment options,

brave and open about telling their stories. I

what just happened to me’ sensation, so

recovery would be costly. She shared her

do if I hadn’t found them,” she says.

process because you’re hit with a, ‘Whoa,

now you have the time to actually sit there and process everything that’s happened to your body while you’re dealing with this

it quickly became clear that the road to

troubles with a confidant who was a sister in every way but blood.

truly believe I wouldn’t have known what to

Villarreal shared her reasoning behind taking her story to social media.

constant state of fear of the cancer’s return

This friend suggested creating a GoFundMe

to help ease the burden of medical expenses.

“I wanted to be that for someone else

She spoke of struggles facing programs for

“I live in Marfa, which is very small, so I knew

the

hanging in the air,” says VIllarreal.

those seeking mental health assistance.

“The program didn’t get the funding they

needed, so the person that had been helping me was now basically doing it on her own,”

if we did a GoFundMe, people would find out.

There’s no way to hide anything in Marfa, so I informed my family of the diagnosis before we committed,” she says.

she explains, highlighting the efforts of team

This disclosure would become the first

providing their patients with the help they need.

about her story.

members within these programs to continue

building block for her to speak up publicly

During the 10 months spent trying to find

“When I’d started researching a double

developing mass, she remained silent about

against reconstructive surgery, I found all

a doctor who’d give her insight into her

her condition. Upon receiving the diagnosis

94

while

helping

spread

importance

of

awareness

self-checks

mammograms,” she explains.

and

and

The experience would naturally have some

bumps along the way, with every Tom, Dick, and Harry offering unsolicited medical advice. However, it was those instances

where she’d receive a message from

someone telling her they’d gotten their first mammogram.

mastectomy and what it meant if you opted

When asked if she’ll continue to post about

of these women on social media who were

treatments, Villarreal said she’ll most definitely

her ongoing recovery after completing her

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023 continue sharing her journey. For now, she’ll

be taking a break to focus on healing her body and getting back the parts of her life that’d

been put on the back burner due to her cancer.

A piece of advice that she offers to anyone

currently going through a similar struggle with cancer, or any other disease for that matter, is to find somebody that has been

through it, a “cancer buddy,” if you will.

Having someone who has felt the experience on a personal level, you’ll have an outlet

that understands not just the physical but

emotional struggles of coming face to face with their disease.

To conclude the interview, I asked Villarreal what she was looking forward to now that she’s officially cancer free.

Her answer?

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t e e M ANDERSON April 2023

the CHAMPION A n El Pasoan is being honored

| By: TCM STAFF photos courtesy of: CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK |

as a 2023 Children’s Miracle

Network National Champion and raising

awareness to local efforts that support

occurs when part of the skull is misshapen,

Miracle Network, an exclusive partner with

it downward to the spine. Within five days

pediatric healthcare. Each year, the Children’s

the El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation, selects a local champion. A local champion is selected by being an El Paso Children’s

Hospital patient. Every year, a National

causing pressure on the brain that forces

of diagnosis, Anderson was admitted for

surgery at El Paso Children’s Hospital with pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. David F. Jimenez.

Champion is selected among the local

WIthin five days of diagnosis, Anderson was

ambassadors are so important in telling the

Hospital with pediatric neurosurgeon Dr.

Champions from across the country. These story of excellent local pediatric health care.

Children’s Miracle Network hospitals serve the following:

• 16,200 children with trauma • 935 children with diabetes

• 2,128 children with cancer

• 2,329 children who need surgery • 925 babies in NICU

admitted for surgery at El Paso Children’s

These fundraising campaigns align with the

David F. Jimenez.

level. “We don’t want to have to send kids

mission to treat local patients at the local like Anderson, or any other patient, outside of El Paso to get treatment,” says Velazquez.

This year, one of our El Paso Champions

The procedure was a total success.

Network National Champion. Anderson, El

Two weeks after the procedure, for example,

along with his family, neurosurgeon, and

first time and cross a balance beam at the

“That dollar goes a long way,” Velazquez

too, as he was able to eat without regurgitating

equipment that we need for the hospital.”

was selected as a 2023 Children’s Miracle

Paso Children’s Miracle Network Champion,

friends at the El Paso Children’s Hospital are set to receive Anderson’s national award at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida on April 4th and share his special story.

Anderson was able to ride a scooter for the park. He grew stronger and put on muscle, -- and asked for second helpings!

The fundraising campaigns align with the mission to treat local patients at the local level.

the Children’s Miracle Network in El Paso,

was funded by donations to the Children’s

“We don’t want to have to send kids like

be minimally invasive for pediatric patients

El Paso to get treatment,” says Velazquez.

of excellent pediatric healthcare. We are

proud of the Champion, who exemplifies our

mission. We have an incredible children’s hospital here, at home.”

neurology-specific

explains. “That dollar helps us bring in the

Dr.

“sharing the testimony of their experience

used

Paso Children’s Hospital.”

“They help us advocate for the hospital,”

says Alexa Velazquez, Program Director of

Jimenez

“We want to keep them here at home at El

equipment to perform the procedure that

Miracle Network. The tools are designed to and have been shown to produce better

patient outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Anderson was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari

The Children’s Miracle Network works to

tissue extends into the spinal canal that

pediatric patients like Anderson. Each day,

malformation, a condition in which brain www.thecitymagazineelp.com

raise funds and awareness to support

Anderson, or any other patient, outside of

“We want to keep them here at home. We want our community to be proud of El Paso Children’s Hospital. We want them to be

proud they were able to give that dollar back to the community.”

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April 2023

Filmmaker Talks Success of Border Series | By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: ALFONSO LOYA |

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April 2023

BEST MEXIC AN FOO

T

he border is front-and-center of

The City Magazine sat down with Loya to talk

immigration continues to inspire

on the border.

American culture and politics as

local artists and storytellers to share our

about what it’s like to be in the spotlight and

unique stories. Alfonso Loya is a filmmaker

The City Magazine

born in Juarez then moved to New Mexico

you created.

and multi-instrumentalist musician who was

when he was 12 years old. Loya founded In Cadence Films, a production company, in 2017 with film partner Tony Marquez.

In 2022, In Cadence Films produced “Entre

Fronteras,” a drama series that focuses on

the human impact of immigration and life on the border for streaming platform Canela TV, a free streaming service that offers

content in English and Spanish. In Cadence

Films won the Grand Jury Award for “Entre Fronteras”at the 2022 New York International Film Awards for Best Web Series.

“Entre Fronteras” was written by Loya,

Marquez, and Julian Nunez after their film “De La Luz” caught the eye of Canela Media, who

asked the filmmakers to produce a threepart series based on the film. The series focuses on a group of immigrants from South and their journey to enter the United States.

The pilot episode was shot in seven days and came to life entirely through the expertise of local filmmakers, locations, and actors. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Tell me about yourself and the series

Alfonso Loya

I studied film in Las Cruces at NMSU and

graduated in 2016. Since then, I’ve been doing a lot of local productions here in El Paso:

D

O

NZ

E WI NNE

B E S T M A R G A R I TA

R

S

There ’ s There’ a new Mexican in town

short films, music videos, commercials, and

work on bigger films. Then, the opportunity

came to do this series about immigration for a streaming platform. It all started because

we have a short film, very similar to the

series on immigration that we submitted to a lot of film festivals. The film actually won

915.594.2841 a few awards, but it also won a competition

that the streaming platform was doing. The streaming platform wanted us to do a series

based on the film, so we did. We started last

summer, and premiered in October. We’re writing episodes two and three right now.

TCM

Why is it important to tell border stories?

morra mÍa

morra mÍa_elpaso

AL

I grew up here and believe we are the ones who should be telling the story, as opposed

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April 2023 I didn’t write it alone. I wrote it with my partner, Julian.

TCM

Why did you want to become a filmmaker?

AL

It started with music, you know. I started recording myself playing music on our family’s camcorder, and as I grew older, the videos were better. Later, I graduated high school and I needed to choose what to

to somebody else coming from out of town

AL

what it is. We can put it on screen, too. Our

We actually came up with more storylines

and trying to portray the border. We know series was made completely from local

filmmakers and local actors. Staying local made it more authentic.

TCM

and reprised a couple from the film as well. You don’t really want to make too

much about politics, but it’s very focused

on immigration. We want to talk about the people you can relate to. We want to create

do but I didn’t want to study music. What I was really, really interested in was filming and editing. I love stories. Drawing, telling

stories, creating something from scratch. So when I got started, it just opened my eyes. It

was a whole new world, and there’s no going back now.

real characters, real personalities, real

TCM

based on real struggles, real problems.

first time I ever felt represented in the film

struggle. We made a lot of dramatic stories

Representation in film is so important. The

AL

L

FO NO R W AN O AP PE PO N IN !

TM

EN

T

How did you go about writing the story?

Well, it was about a couple different things.

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April 2023

was when I saw the “Selena” movie with

Jennifer Lopez. There was a quick scene at the beginning in El Paso, which was something I had never seen before, the

place I lived on screen. How important is it to you to make sure that there is representation of the community?

AL

I’ve seen a lot of movies where they don’t even acknowledge the region or they tell the audience it’s somewhere else. We want to get the real thing

because it comes from a real place and the more real it is, the more people

believe it. When we started to shoot for the series, we actually shot in Juarez

and that was very cool for me. I’ve seen hundreds of films where they portrayed the border that we’re living in and it’s nothing like a real thing.

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s u o l u b a F April 2023

A Framework for

| By: TCM STAFF photos courtesy of: SHE BUILDS |

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023

“There is a need for women to learn other skills for everyday life,” says Isabel Salcido, City Representative for District

5, who has participated in the workshops.

“It’s very empowering doing handy work;

this will definitely help women in their homes and in the community.”

She Builds is working to address the needs

T

of homes that need help, many of which are headed by women.

According to the National Women’s Law he homes and hearts of women

throughout El Paso are being given a

helping hand by ladies like them. “She

Builds” is part of Americorps’ “Rebuilding

Together” initiative that is a women-

Center, more than one in eight women and one in six children in the United States

live in poverty. Moreover, women-headed

households with children are in greater need of home repairs than other household types.

collaboration

The workshops and projects hosted by She

homes, while also making a difference in

expand and enhance myriad skills that include:

led

and

women-focused

that empowers women to maintain safe the community. Programming as part of

She Builds includes participation in home

and community renovation projects, home

repair training, and leadership training where

Builds create a framework for fabulous that • Improved ability to perform

home repair tasks

• Improved sense of self-worth

• Deeper connection to community and

women learn basic plumbing and carpentry

a network of supportive local women

safety, and other hands-on training during

women-owned and women-led

skills, the do’s and don’ts of electrical repair projects.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

• Increased partnerships between

businesses and organizations that support fellow women in need

She Builds El Paso has hosted home repair workshops for women community leaders in El Paso that encourage other local women to participate.

“I would definitely recommend these

workshops,” says Cindy Conroy, Director of Community Outreach at WestStar Bank.

“It is a great to know basic home repair

that could cost a lot of money just to

have somebody come over and do some

really easy stuff. It feels good to know that you can do it yourself and that you can maintain your home.”

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April 2023

Funk & Fun The Sanctum of

| By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: EVAN ROMO FOR THE SANCTUM and JUSTIN KEPPLE |

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023

T

hroughout history, artists,

writers, and travelers have

sought sanctity by retreating to

handiwork. “I always had intended to come back to El Paso.”

a sanctuary. From quiet places

The Sanctum is located on the ground

well equipped with the acoustics

that was once the site of women’s suffrage

to meditate and work, to spaces

to play and enjoy music, the desire

to inspire lingers. A local sanctuary called The Sanctum exists in the Virginia Heights

level of a two-story home built in 1910

movement in El Paso, and later housed U.S. Army war veterans.

neighborhood of Central El Paso that is

The home’s rich history and good bones

those who seek a transcendent experience.

light -- lent itself to an inspiring future

used as an Airbnb, event space, and more to

“I started the idea of a sanctum probably

extraordinarily handy person,” he continues.

“But, I’m a good problem solver. We put in

the time, we put in the energy -- learning how to pace yourself is important.”

The time and energy put into The Sanctum are palpable.

After an ascent of about a dozen steps,

after some TLC.

safe within the museum-esque walls, cozy

“We knew it was going to take a lot of work

who also accomplished most of the

daughter, Autumn, and girlfriend, Nancy,

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

and vision for The Sanctum. “I’m not an

-- wood floors, high ceilings, lots of natural

10 years ago, when I was in San Francisco,” says Justin Kepple, owner of The Sanctum,

assisted in the renovations, decorations,

and so we got to it,” says Kepple, whose

it’s easy to feel immediately uplifted and furniture, vinyl collection, and local art.

“We have art from locals Christin Apodaca and Charlie Morales, as well as photos

109

April 2023 on display from local photographers, Rebecca Moreno and Michelle Romero,”

says Kepple. “We’re always looking to add to the collection.”

Much of the furniture and decor were sourced from local thrift shops, while other fixtures were discovered by chance.

“These speakers I found on someone’s driveway were thrown out. They were there

with the trashcan and I was like, ‘No way,” says Kepple.

The speakers are now housed inside The Sanctum’s music room, the lungs between the heart of the space -- the record player.

The Sanctum’s Instagram describes it as a

contemporary transcendent space, which

is attracting guests and creatives from near and far.

110

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

April 2023

The Sanctum of Funk & Fun

“The idea behind it has always been about experience,” Kepple explains. “What does someone experience when they walk in?”

Recently, The Sanctum has been inhabited by different groups of artists that include musicians, photographers, and film production crews.

“It’s not the same bands coming, or the same photographers, and it’s definitely not the same film crews but there’s a sense

education with a plan to return home and give back to the community.

“I knew I wanted to come back to El Paso.

It was a pretty easy decision for me being

that my daughter is still here -- very easy

decision. For a long time what happened was

you grow up and then you move away, the brain drain. “But it’s nice to see that people are coming back and taking pride in this city.”

of a gravitational pull for creatives. It’s

The growth of the community is visible from

understanding what the space is and what

the continued construction downtown and on

a collective of people coming together,

we want it to be,” says Kepple. “It continues to be very validating for us when we have people reach out to achieve their own creative vision.”

Kepple is a psychologist who is part of

a generation of El Pasoans who left the

Sun City for graduate and postgraduate

The Sanctum’s front patio, with clear views of

Texas, the development of new restaurants and nearby businesses, and renovations being done to other nearby homes.

“El Paso really is a gem in the desert,” says

Kepple. “It’s been nice that The Sanctum has been a place for people to settle down and relax, and discover a peaceful little piece of El Paso.”

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April 2023

MAYOR OSCAR LEESER Mayor, City of El Paso

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April 2023

CINDY STOUT

CEO, El Paso Children’s Hospital www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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Progress Report

Tote ally

Student Journalism

-

C OL HOW TOTE BAGS BECAME A

Gen Z Staple | By: AINA MARZIA |

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April 2023

T

hey’re everywhere, and I mean everywhere.

From coffee shops to grocery stores,

teens with claw clips and Crocs aren’t missing a chance to make a statement, even if it’s on a canvas tote bag.

Totes are nothing new. For years, humans

have been using them to lug items and stash away groceries. While it is blurry

when these totes became a staple piece,

it is widely argued that it was the L.L Bean

cotton tote in the ‘60s that proved a simple “ice bag” could be used to do a variety of

household chores and shop in the city. In the ‘90s, totes started popping up in pop

culture. Seen on celebrities like Princess Diana and it-girl Jennifer Aniston, tote bags became the epitome of casual fashion. Still,

the canvas totes we know today stayed out of the picture, it wasn’t until The New Yorker started giving free canvas totes with their subscription in 2014 that they became a status symbol, especially for young people.

Tote bags’ popularity is largely owed to their

apparent sustainability, practicality, and of

course, ability to seamlessly convey a message.

To Gen Z, they aren’t just fashion statements;

“I find myself wearing my tote bag even

that’s a person,” people think, “Hey, that’s a

wallet, and lipstick,” says Wagler.

they humanize the wearer. Instead of “Hey, person who has a really cool tote.” They serve

when I’m just carrying around my phone,

the same purpose as window displays: you

Wagler owns two store-bought tote bags

without having to actually approach them.

“I like to knit and crochet a lot, and tote bags

can get a glimpse into someone’s personality

Because of the way canvas bags are

designed, consumers associate tote bags with an aesthetic.

“Tote bags fit a specific aesthetic for our generation,” says Ari Leeah, a 17-year-old.

“Following a minimalistic sense of fashion, with,

you know, earth tones, plants, tea and coffee, tote bags,” which makes their wearability more than a statement, but a lifestyle.

Olive

Wagler,

a

high

school

junior,

mentions how the bag is functional for her everyday needs.

but also enjoys making totes for her friends. are one of the things I’ve made the most. So

far, I’ve made ten.” Their favorite is one they made with cotton yarn. “It’s checkered red

and pink, and it’s very sturdy and useful for heavier objects, which I love.”

Another Gen Zer, Sara Antowan, attests to how practical they are.

“Tote bags have become a statement piece for Gen Z because of their practicality. They

are super cute, add to an outfit, and on top

of that, they are very handy for carrying many things instead of only a few things in a small purse.”

115

T o t e - a l ly C O O L They are also inclusive, as totes aren’t pre-

tote bag, a tye-dye print number, was actually

and wallets.

the same style, and I just started stealing

established gender accessories like purses

“It has allowed people of all genders to use a bag without feeling that they will be judged,

their mom’s. “Me and my mom share a lot of it from her. I just liked the convenience of being able to carry everything.”

which I think many parts of Gen Z can

Leah explains how it is both an artistic outlet

Some even use tote bags to walk the line

“My mom has been a printmaker for years,

more

of the articles she would use to test prints

appreciate,” Antowan says.

between gender and make their appearance androgynous.

“If

I

am

wearing

something more feminine, I tend to gravitate towards tote bags because it makes the fit more androgynous,” says Wagler, “ I enjoy

the counterbalance between the two.” It also helps to dress down an outfit. “If I am

wearing something fancy, I’ll go for a purse, but I love the laid-backness of a tote bag.”

It seems that everyone and their mother is

using them – literally. Wagler’s most used

116

April 2023

for their mother and a practical carry-on.

and when I was little, tote bags were one on. She’s a dance teacher, and so they’ve always been used in our house; in her case, to lug around dance shoes, tape, and changes of clothes.”

There is also the narrative of totes being eco-

friendly, which is why younger generations are drawn to them. “I think that people, just

thinking that they are making an effort to help the environment, makes them feel

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April 2023

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a personal style statement and a chance

young people,” Leah says.

around,” says Udit Sood, a spokesperson

Wearing a tote bag is a symbol of that for

Companies like EcoRight, a sustainable

accessory brand, note the rise in sales of the item.

“Most of our target audience has been Gen Zs; our consumers see tote bags as

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to do good to our planet. It’s a win-win all

for EcoRight explaining how environmental

awareness is one of the biggest reasons why the generation is obsessed with the

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bag. “Believe it or not, they are more aware

of environmental issues and ready to take steps toward making things right than any other,” he adds.

117

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March Launch Party

Guests, lawyers, and animal lovers gathered at The Great American Steakhouse on Airway to celebrate the release of our March issue, celebrating animal rescue and conservation that also featured El Paso’s leading attorneys. | Photos by: MARY CHAVEZ |

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The Best of the City 2022 brought a

black and white soiree to Sunland Park Mall that celebrated winners, nominees, and the city of El Paso. | Photos by: JOHN HORTA and GIBEL AMADOR |

scene

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April 2023

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THE

Best of the City 2022

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April 2023

APRIL Advertiser INDEX A-1 Kitchens by Sierra.................................................................. Pg. 14

Epic Events & Entertainment....................................................Pg. 117

Abraham J. Herndon...................................................................... Pg. 67

Eric Smith.................................................................................. Pgs. 60-61

Aki Sushi................................................................................................ Pg. 1

Ethos Financial...............................................................................Pg. 111

Alfredo H. Arrellano........................................................................ Pg. 36

Grace Ayala........................................................................................ Pg. 66

Ana Square Microblading and Permanent Makeup............ Pg. 23

Great American Steakhouse.......................................................... Pg. 1

A New Beginning Estate Sales and Appraisals........... Pgs. 42-45

Hammer & Nails Grooming.......................................................... Pg. 81

Art Masters of El Paso.......................................................... Pgs. 42-45

Hardware Specialties and Glass Co......................................... Pg. 51

Beatriz Alderete............................................................................... Pg. 69

Hotel Indigo....................................................................................... Pg. 97

Ben Bridge Jeweler........................................................................ Pg. 77

Hyundai of El Paso............................................... Pg. 103; Back cover

Bomanite Artistic Concrete and Pools.................................... Pg. 50

Intraceuticals..................................................................................Pg. 107

Borderland Bail Bonds................................................................... Pg. 17

Italian Kitchen West........................................................................ Pg. 39

Casa Buena Vista Homes......................................................... Pgs. 6-7

JMT Properties................................................................................ Pg. 75

Cassandra Delgado........................................................................ Pg. 76

Joe Moreno....................................................................................... Pg. 71

Eco Living Home Improvement.................................................Pg. 2-3

LEH Home.......................................................................................... Pg. 54

El Paso Center for Diabetes........................................................ Pg. 32

Laura Diaz.......................................................................................... Pg. 72

El Paso Children’s Hospital................................... Inside back cover

Lone Star Title.................................................................................. Pg. 55

El Paso Rhinos Hockey.................................................................. Pg. 19

Michelle Medrano.................................................................. Pgs. 58-59

El Paso Zoo Society........................................................................Pg. 94

Morra Mia.........................................................................................Pg. 101

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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April 2023

APRIL Advertiser INDEX Mountain Star Mortgage..................................................... Pgs. 64-65

Sugar Skull Fashion Boutique..................................................... Pg. 96

Myriam’s Faux Finish Studio...............................................Pgs. 52; 97

Sushiito.............................................................................................Pg. 116

Nicholas Reyes Hair Salon........................................................... Pg. 22

The City Magazine Calendar....................................................... Pg. 30

Pacifica Homes....................................................................... Pgs. 12-13

The City Magazine Ticketing...................................................... Pg. 40

Persian Rug Gallery........................................................................ Pg. 37

The Home Systems Heating and Cooling.............................. Pg. 56

Poe Toyota......................................................................................... Pg. 15

The Manor at Ten Eleven.......................................................... Pgs. 4-5

Progressive Pools.................................................................. Pgs. 48-49

The Mix Salon and Spa.................................................................. Pg. 83

Raul Ivan Ruiz.................................................................................... Pg. 68

The Stateline...................................................................................Pg. 110

Ray Borrego...................................................................................... Pg. 74

Tint World........................................................................................... Pg. 27

Rejuvene M.D..................................................................................Pg. 102

Tropicana Homes............................................................................ Pg. 95

Right Drive.......................................................................................Pg. 106

UA Local 412 Plumbers and Pipefitters.................................. Pg. 53

Saratoga Homes.............................................................................. Pg. 33

Victoria Olivia.................................................................................... Pg. 70

Southwest Plastic Surgery................................................. Pgs. 10-11

Vida CBD............................................................................................ Pg. 31

Sparkle Events................................................................................. Pg. 39

Walgreens...................................................................................... Pgs. 8-9

Stewart Title............................................................................. Pgs. 62-63

West Texas Pain Institute............................... Inside front cover; 93

Stryker by Spectrum...................................................................... Pg. 82

Winton & Associates............................................................... Pg. 46-47

Sue Woo............................................................................................. Pg. 73

128

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